Sunday, November 2, 2014

Hierapolis

A four hour bus ride took us from Selcuk to Pamukkale where the ancient Roman ruins of Hierapolis are. We were blessed with another great hotel in Pamukkale, the Dort Mevsim. What made it great was the owner, Hassan who goes out of his way for guests. At least he did for us. As well as running the hotel, he has a farm and grows most of the food for his restaurant and the food was excellent.

 

Pamukkale is pretty much dependent on tourism and the the business people there are very aggressive in marketing their hotels, restaurants, tours, ice cream, you name it. Hassan was quite clear that he wanted a review on Trip Advisor from us but wasn't overly aggressive. Had a nice veggie lunch there after which Hassan drove us up to the top gate of the site which encompasses both Hierapolis and the white travertine/terraces and pools. It was a grey day, threatening to rain and getting late in the afternoon when we started our tour of Hierapolis.

The ruins at Hierapolis "evoke life in a bygone era in which Greeks, Romans and Jews, pagans, Christians and spa tourists peacefully coexisted." Hierapolis became a curative centre when founded around 190 BC. It prospered under the Romans and even more under the Byzantines. Recurrent earthquakes brought disaster and Hierapolis was finally abandoned in 1334.

The travertine pools next.

 

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